Chaos after SANEF granted interdict against BLF
The South Gauteng High Court has granted the South African National Editors Forum an urgent interdict which they had sought against Black First Land First.
SANEF went to court in a bid to prevent BLF from threatening or intimidating journalists.
This after the group listed a number of journalists it said where pushing a specific agenda, threatening to protest outside their homes.
Last week, a group of BLF members staged a demonstration outside editor, Peter Bruce's home and attacked two of his colleagues.
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In today's judgement, BLF has been ordered to retract its threats and pay costs of the application.
SANEF Chairperson, Mahlatse Gallens has welcomed the ruling.
"We wanted to defend the rights of journalists to do their work. This was not just about journalists - it is about every South African's individual rights. Media freedom speaks to the public' s right to know and what they are trying to do is to silence the media so that the public does not know.
"They have specifically targeted journalists that have done in-depth reporting on allegations of corruption and state capture. We will not be deterred," she said.
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Shortly after the ruling was handed down, a clash broke out between BLF members and journalists.
(Video by Slindelo Masikane)
SANEF Chairperson, Mahlatse Gallens has welcomed the ruling.
"We wanted to defend the rights of journalists to do their work. This was not just about journalists - it is about every South African's individual rights. Media freedom speaks to the public' s right to know and what they are trying to do is to silence the media so that the public does not know.
"They have specifically targeted journalists that have done in-depth reporting on allegations of corruption and state capture. We will not be deterred," she said.
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